This New Upper East Side Speakeasy Lets Patrons Smoke Inside

Subscribe to spoiled NYC's official newsletter, The Stoop, for the best news, eats, drinks, places to go, and things to do.

Remember when you didn't have to stand outside the bar on a freezing cold night to smoke a cigarette? When you could just take a sip of your drink and puff of your bogie in the comfort of a climate controlled dance floor...

Ah, those were the good ol' days.

It's crazy to think it's been over a decade since that smoking ban completely changed NYC nightlife.

There are only a few safe havens left in the city, those bars that have the much envied grandfathered tobacco license.

Sugar East draws inspiration from the 1920s, boasting classic leather and bronze decor. And the place actually smells of rich mahogany.

"We created a space with a mid-century modern feel, hearkening back to the decadent Havana high life where one might feel like a cigarette after a few cocktails", said Abraham Merchant, the owner.

They feature fresh sourced ingredient-driven cocktails with smokey vibes. One of their drinks, The Coconut Cocktail ($18), is served up in an actual coconut and topped with a cigarette-looking charred cinnamon stick.

The bar sits at 1125 First Ave. between 61st and 62nd Streets and opened almost a month ago. Their hours are Sunday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Friday and Saturday until 4 a.m. Check them out!